The Jones Family

Mary Jones – Mama or Me Maw  (AKA Miss Birdie)
Bob Jones – Daddy or Pe Paw`
Sonny Jones – Our Son (father of Rebecca & Matthew)
Kim Jones – Daughter-in-law (Sonny’s wife, & Rebecca’s & Matthew’s Mom)
Rebecca Jones – Our precious almost 12 yr old granddaughter (in yellow)
Matthew Jones – Our sweet 6 yr old grandson (in yellow)

“Our Extended Family”

Liz Bowman – Kim’s Mom
Lori Flood – Kim’s Sister
Macy Flood – Kim’s 6 yr old Niece

         The Jones family has just celebrated one of the best Christmases in our family’s history! Early Christmas Eve our family went to the Children’s Hospital in Chapel Hill…but this time it was by choice. You see over the last 3 years our grandson Matthew has been in the hospital over twenty times for various health problems but this year (2007) on December 24th our family went to the hospital to “give back” some of the kindnesses our family had been shown.

       Last year at this time Matthew had to have surgery and spent 19 days in this hospital. So we know what it was like to have a child in the hospital during Christmas. It seemed as if the rest of the world was just too busy with their own holiday plans to think about anyone else. The doctors and nurses were just great but the hospital is not a place you want to be… especially at Christmas. However, there were some very kind people that tried to make our holiday special. Their love and kindness made it easier, so this year our family decided we would be there for others, just like they had been there for us.

       Early Christmas Eve our little caravan headed for the hospital with Sonny leading the way. Our caravan consisted of 3 eager children, 6 excited adults and 3 vehicles loaded to the brim.  You would not believe some of the strange looks we got when this “crazy crew” got out of the car loaded down with presents. We quickly set up just outside the hospital elevators and got ready for our busy day. Because of security issues we were not allowed to go upstairs, but Sonny spoke to one of the doctors that he knew and he was able to obtain an upstairs pass. Once upstairs, a nurse escorted Sonny to each room and there extend an invitation to each patient (or parents of) to come downstairs and select a gift for each child. As the word got around to the different floors, one by one, the parents started to come downstairs and say… “Sonny sent us down here to pick a toy for our child.” It was such a blessing to see them each come off the elevators. Some had a look of astonishment that someone would “give away” toys to total strangers. Before they left, the look of shock had vanished; replaced by a glowing smile. What a blessing!

       Even more of a blessing was when a few of the children were able to come themselves. It was such a treat when they were able to pick out their very own toy. It always seemed to really brighten their day.

       The entire day was such a joy. But one story I would especially like to share with you took place at the end of the day. Sonny went back upstairs one more time to double-check and make sure that no child was left out. He passed by this one room and there was a young 13 year old girl sitting up in bed. She was coloring with her new coloring book, while wearing the necklace she had just gotten and cuddling her big Christmas Bear. She gave Sonny a huge smile and said “Thank you, you made my Christmas!” It took everything Sonny could do to keep from busting out in tears. You see she was dealing with cancer and all of her hair was gone, even her eyebrows but she was happy. Something so small we all had done made her life just a little brighter. A lump the size of Texas came into his throat but he managed a “you’re welcome, sweetheart.” !

       When we all got home we were exhausted but it was a good tired. All were ready to do it again. So during the entire next year we will again be buying toys to prepare for next Christmas Eve and the "gift of giving".

       God says in His Word “A new commandment I give you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:34-35

       Our family has never been blessed with material things but we do have love and oh what a blessing! This is one way that our family wants to give back. But there are so many other ways and not just at Christmas. Just ask the Lord what He would have you do… then do it! There is one thing for sure… you can not out give God! You will be amazed at the blessings you will receive!

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Last modified: October 29, 2008 

704-212-6075 or thh@carolina.rr.com

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